Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends
Happy New Year! We hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas holidays and had the opportunity to spend valuable time relaxing with family and friends. It’s always great to hear about what our students have been up to when we welcome them back refreshed and energised for the term ahead.
For our Year 11 students, the holiday period was a balancing act between festivities and revision. Their commitment and maturity have been on full display as they started their PPE exams this week. We are truly impressed by their “can-do” attitude and wish them the best of luck as they continue to tackle these important assessments.
With the start of 2025, conversations about New Year’s resolutions have been a recurring theme among students from Year 7 through Year 11. I’ve enjoyed hearing the wide variety of goals being set—from improving handwriting to sticking to revision timetables. As someone who often makes big plans only to see them falter by January 8th, I can certainly relate to the challenge of sticking to resolutions and the importance of setting achievable/realistic targets.
The Co-Headteachers start every term with an assembly focussed on our Holt character traits of stoicism, gratitude and humility. The theme for this term is ‘Love and Forgiveness.’ Stoic principles recognise that forgiveness can be a powerful antidote for anger; by working through feelings of bitterness or resentment we can make room for more positive experiences allowing for personal growth and development. Students are explicitly taught to express the emotions that they are feeling, to communicate these and focus on the path forward. As our go-to psychologist, Lisa Damour says, we do not want our students to find themselves in a “rumination rut” instead we want them to focus on problem solving skills enabling them to effectively overcome any challenges they may face.
The music department wasted no time, rehearsals for Les Misérables are back in full swing, and the energy is palpable! Students and staff are working tirelessly to perfect their lines, construct sets, design costumes and deliver a performance that will rival the West End. We can’t wait for the curtain to rise on what promises to be an unforgettable show.
On Tuesday, It was a pleasure to welcome back our ex-Year 13 students as they returned to collect their A-level certificates. It’s always great to catch up and hear about their adventures beyond sixth form. Whether they are enjoying university life, thriving in the workplace, or pursuing other passions, it’s wonderful to see how they are shaping their futures. The event also provided a chance for them to enjoy refreshments and cookies while reminiscing about their time at The Holt. We wish them continued success in all their endeavours!
Today has been filled with questions about the possibility of snow! The cold weather is set to continue for the rest of the week, please make sure you daughter/son brings a warm coat to school to keep warm!
Mrs Martin
Assistant Headteacher